OCTOBER 24, 2023 – Today LARA has formally approved the two remaining minimum standards submitted by the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC), known as Standard 6 and Standard 7. The full approval of these new Standards will continue the MIDC’s mission of ensuring quality defense is provided to all eligible adults facing criminal charges.

Standard 6 limits an individual public defender to 150 felonies or 400 misdemeanor cases per year, so that attorneys have adequate time to prepare and effectively represent each client.

Standard 7 establishes a minimum standard of qualifications and review for public defenders consistent with the MIDC Act’s requirement that “Defense counsel’s ability, training, and experience match the nature and complexity of the case to which he or she is appointed.”

“We all benefit from a justice system that provides a fair trial to every person facing criminal charges” said Marlon I. Brown, Acting Director of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. “It is critical that everyone, regardless of their economic status, has access to an experienced attorney who can properly prepare and argue their case. These new Standards help us deliver on the promise of a right to counsel for all. I applaud the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission for advancing common-sense, evidence-based guidelines that will improve public defense and strengthen our justice system.”

“A fair and effective justice system needs attorneys who are properly trained and have the capacity to appropriately represent their clients,” said Chief Justice Elizabeth T. Clement. “With implementation of these standards, Michigan takes another significant step toward making our justice system a model for the nation that is trusted by all.”

The MIDC estimates the new standards will cost $12.8 million to implement. The MIDC Act requires that every indigent defense delivery system in Michigan submit a plan for compliance with these standards once they are approved by the Director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, which oversees the MIDC.  These submissions must be made to the MIDC within 180 days from the date of approval.

“In the ten years since the creation of the MIDC, we have transformed our state’s system of public defense” said MIDC Chair Christine Green. “Before our standards existed, lawyers were underpaid and overworked, often struggling to find time to file motions, thoroughly investigate a case, or meet clients before their first day in court. But because of the collaboration and hard work of the MIDC and our local systems, we are making a positive impact in our communities. The adoption of Standards 6 and 7 is another step toward establishing Michigan as the leader for providing quality legal counsel for all Michiganders.”

The MIDC was established in 2013 to ensure that criminal defense services are delivered to all indigent adults in this State consistent with the safeguards of the United States Constitution, the Michigan Constitution of 1963, and with the MIDC Act. The MIDC was appropriated $220 million in the 2023-24 fiscal year budget to provide grants to local indigent defense systems as they come into compliance with minimum standards of providing public defense.

The MIDC staff has prepared a summary of key changes to quarterly reporting for FY24 so that systems can make necessary changes to their data collection processes before the beginning of the fiscal year on October 1.

New in FY 24 Quarterly Reports Sept 2023

The MIDC is committed to supporting a smooth transition for funding units as systems implement the attorney compensation standard during the upcoming fiscal year.  Please reach out to your Regional Manager with any questions or concerns and check our grants page regularly for additional information.  Training materials and EGrAMS tutorials will be available in December.

The MIDC is required to publish an annual report pursuant to M.C.L. §780.999.  The 2022 Impact Report by the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission covers all activities of the Commission and Staff, our budget and expenditures, and recommendations for legislative action pursuant to M.C.L. §780.989(h).

All prior annual reports can be found on our Policies and Reports page.

On Thursday April 27, 2023, Governor Whitmer made the following appointments to the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission:

Thomas Adams, of Detroit, is the president of Chance For Life Organization. He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Tuskegee University. Mr. Adams is appointed to represent the general public for a term commencing April 27, 2023, and expiring April 1, 2027. He succeeds Nathaniel Crampton whose term has expired.

Tracey Brame, of Grand Rapids, is a licensed attorney and associate dean of experiential learning at Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and her Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan. Ms. Brame is reappointed to represent members submitted by the Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, for a term commencing April 27, 2023, and expiring April 1, 2027.

Andrew DeLeeuw, of Manchester, is the interim deputy county administrator for Washtenaw County. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and English from Michigan State University and his Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. Mr. DeLeeuw is reappointed to represent the Michigan Association of Counties, for a term commencing April 27, 2023, and expiring April 7, 2027.

James Krizan, of Allen Park, is city manager for the City of Lincoln Park. He received his Bachelor of Social Work and his Master of Public Administration from Eastern Michigan University. Mr. Krizan is reappointed to represent the Michigan Municipal League, for a term commencing April 27, 2023, and expiring April 1, 2027.

Margaret McAvoy, of Owosso, is the president and CEO of McAvoy & Associates Consulting. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Saginaw Valley State University. Ms. McAvoy is reappointed to represent the Michigan Association of Counties, for a term commencing April 27, 2023, and expiring April 1, 2027.

Christine Green, of Ann Arbor, is partner and president of Green, Green, Adams and Kent Law Firm. She received her Bachelor of Arts in General Studies as well as her Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan. Ms. Green is reappointed to represent the State Budget Office, for a term commencing April 27, 2023, and expiring April 1, 2027.

The Michigan Indigent Defense Commission was created as a result of efforts to improve legal representation for indigent criminal defendants. The Commission develops and oversees the implementation, enforcement, and modification of minimum standards, rules, and procedures to ensure that indigent criminal defense services providing effective assistance of counsel are delivered to all indigent adults in this state consistent with the safeguards of the United States Constitution, the State Constitution of 1963, and with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission Act.

These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.